It is a harsh fact that many people remain sleeping on the streets despite the array of available outreach and provider programs.

An ad-hoc working group of volunteers has been meeting for over a year to engage in some preliminary thinking about what a tiny home village might look like in Albuquerque. The project’s current proposal does not offer unconditional housing. Instead, a holistic housing intervention will be proposed that will prioritize safe and dignified housing within a supported single-site community setting, and providing autonomy for the villagers and their reintegration into broader society.

Currently, BernCo is developing the Request for Proposal that will identify the scope of services, selection criteria and a project timeline for an organization that would oversee the planning and development of the tiny home village site and operations project. Last November, voters approved a $2 million general obligation bond to fund the development of the tiny home village project. See a listing of the 2018 General Obligation Bond Funding Project Summaries here.

The Tiny Home Village Project is a collaboration between Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O'Malley and City of Albuquerque Councilors Diane Gibson and Pat Davis.

The format for its upcoming public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 will include:

6 - 6:25 p.m.: Introductory PowerPoint presentation with general information on the project;

6:25 - 6:55 p.m.: The opportunity to visit information stations where individuals can answer questions and discuss aspects of the project in-depth, including the homeless situation in Albuquerque; anticipated costs and design of the Tiny Home Village; how sites were suggested and evaluated; projected costs and budget; anticipated effects on property value; and who will qualify to live in the Tiny Home Village.

7 - 8 p.m.: A public comment session where individuals can sign up to offer comments in support of or against the Tiny Home Village.

There will also be written forms that individuals can use to supply comments or ask questions during or after the meeting. Members of the public are asked to submit comments by Sept. 17, 2018.

Community Meetings and Potential Sites Announced for Tiny Home Village

On Aug. 2, 2018, Bernalillo County, in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque and community advocates, announced six potential sites to build a tiny home village and now it is time for the community to help make the final decision.

“A couple of years ago, the community came to us and asked for help to address the homelessness that is all around our city,” states Commissioner Debbie O’Malley. “Today, we are responding to the public’s plea for help by proposing a tiny home village, a transitional housing option that will be one more resource in the community to help end homelessness.”

More than 30 sites have been suggested to Bernalillo County for the first tiny home village in the Albuquerque community. Carefully developed criteria helped narrow down the list to the following:

8207 Central Ave. NW (Central & Unser)

202-230 Louisiana Blvd. NE (Louisiana & Domingo)

7600 Southern Ave. SE (Southern & Española)

540 Paisano St. NE (Juan Tabo & Paisano)

12900 Central Ave. SE (Central & Western Skies)

12910 Central Ave. SE (Central & Western Skies)

No final decision has been made on a site, and consideration may be given to other sites if they are put forward.

“A collaborative effort including the community, the Veterans Integration Center, and a number of other organizations that provide services and resources to homeless individuals will make this project a reality,” states Commissioner James E. Smith. “We strongly encourage the community to attend one of the public meetings that will begin next week to learn more about this much-needed project.”

Members of the public are invited to attend one of three scheduled public meetings beginning next week to learn more about the tiny home village project and the proposed locations.

A website, www.tinyhomes4bc.com, will be launched on Aug. 8 that will have information and the ability to accept public comment on each of the proposed sites.

“In contrast to other housing projects that serve individuals who have acute needs, the proposed tiny home village would provide housing for those who are ready for more independent living and who are more inclined to take on skills-building and employment opportunities,” says Albuquerque City Councilor Diane Gibson.

The concept for the Tiny Home Village is as follows:

The village will be gated, completely self-contained and actively managed with oversight from Bernalillo County.

The village will consist of small homes constructed on chassis for cost-efficiency and portability.

Each home will have heating and cooling, electricity, a bed, storage, a desk and a chair.

Communal buildings will include restrooms, a kitchen, a laundry and meeting/training spaces.

The village will be designed for single adults or couples and veterans, with most residents expected to live there for approximately two years.

Residents will be carefully screened, and required to follow strict rules as well as contribute to the community monetarily and through assigned duties.

The village will provide life and work skills, support for employment and possibly a microenterprise.

After taking public comment into consideration, cost and other factors, a site will be selected. BernCo will work with nearby neighborhoods to develop a site plan and construction timetable.

In November 2016, voters approved $2 million in bond funding for planning and construction of a tiny home village.

The Bernalillo County Tiny Home Village has announced the format for its upcoming public meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 at the African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro D...

Today, Bernalillo County, in collaboration with the City of Albuquerque and community advocates, announced six potential sites to build a tiny home village and now it is time for the community to hel...

The community is invited to an educational forum that will discuss and explore information about the planning and development of a tiny home village . A series of educational forums will take place ...

Bernalillo County Open Space is hosting two events in January. The first is part of the History and Culture of New Mexico series on Jan. 20, and the second is part of the Backyard Farming series on J...

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Free open gym volleyball for ages 16+ at Los Vecinos Community Center, 478 NM-333, Tijeras. Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6:15-8:15 and Saturday from 1:15-3:15 p.m. Call (505) 314-0240 for more info.